Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[First drive: Volvo C30 Version 2.0]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/15/first-drive-volvo-c30-version-2-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/15/first-drive-volvo-c30-version-2-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/15/first-drive-volvo-c30-version-2-0/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image to view high-res gallery of the 2008 Volvo C30

Despite a number of great coupe offerings recently, two-door hatchbacks have sold rather badly in this country in the past few years. Volvo, however, thinks the best way it can compete in the coupe niche is by resurrecting the 1971 P1800ES. And if you ask us, they could be right.

The Volvo C30 is an odd car when seen among SUV-filled American traffic. Its relatively tall, stubby nose juts out from the headlight-capped fenders wrapped snugly around 18-inch alloys. The front fender line continues as the car's full length shoulder, and just beyond the doors, widens to become the rear fender and taillights. It's a dramatic look that lets the C30 trick those on the outside into seeing a much smaller vehicle than it actually is.

In back, you might first think the hatch opening would be huge, but only the rear glass opens, reminding us of another favorite two-door hatchback: the BMW Z Coupe. But unlike the Bimmer, the Volvo has some usable space back there, though it's not that easy to access through the small opening. There are also two more seats than in the Z, and more than adequate head and leg room for all passengers. We don't recommend the C30 for cross-country trips with all the kids, but singles, young couples and maybe a small, light-traveling family will find it big enough for daily use and possibly even weekend treks.

Continue reading about the C30 after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: Volvo C30 Version 2.0



Live Photos Copyright (C)2007 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First drive: Volvo C30 Version 2.0

First drive: Volvo C30 Version 2.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>C30featuredVolvo C30Volvo C30 reviewVolvo coupeVolvoC30VolvoC30ReviewVolvoCoupeMon, 15 Oct 2007 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1010442/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/10/15/first-drive-volvo-c30-version-2-0/1010442/article-detail.xml 1010442 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/4-volvoc30_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/4-volvoc30_450.jpg -1 2